a source of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that causes uncertainty or skepticism about a situation or idea. Example: "The lack of evidence presented in the report became a source of doubt for the committee members."

✓ Grammatically correct

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The Economist

The New York Times

Wikipedia

University of Chicago

SEP

University of California, Berkeley

The Washington Post

The Guardian - Tech

Princeton University

BBC

Vice

The Guardian - Arts

The Washington Post

Forbes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The graceful evolution of an Open Source product as well as its durability is also a source of doubt.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For one thing, it is a source of public doubts about Labour's commitment to reducing the budget deficit, a task most voters say is necessary.

The Economist

It is that tracery of unspoken taboo and inhibition that some, to the political left and to the right, now depict as the greatest barrier to normalcy, a source of self-doubt and even self-loathing.

The New York Times

In 1846 George Eliot published an English translation of Leben Jesu which became a source of religious doubts for Froude and many of his contemporaries.

Wikipedia

But an underlying source of doubt about the bailout stems from who is asking for it.

The New York Times

The words amend or alter, form an equal source of doubt & altercation.

University of Chicago

We now turn to a second source of doubts about the validity of historical claims to reparations.

SEP

Disagreeing with others can be a source of stress, confusion, and doubt; the urge to conform is strong for those who try to stand alone.

University of California, Berkeley

He mocks the "cosmopolitan orientation" of liberals who preach solidarity with "strangers on the opposite of side of the world". (Not surprisingly, Anton wrote an essay last year in which he called diversity "a source of weakness"). He casts doubt on long-held American convictions about universal values and democracy.

The Washington Post

It's a question that's amplified to a worldwide scale when he's confronted by cameras, sees himself on television, and is recognized and hailed as a public hero while enduring spasms of self-questioning and self-doubt that are sparked by an external — and equally vast — source of doubt: the federal government.

The New Yorker

What begins as clandestine entertainment for Irene Westcott soon transforms into a source of insecurity and self-doubt.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of doubt", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the doubt. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of doubt" repeatedly within a short span. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "reason for skepticism" or "cause for uncertainty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something that instills uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of doubt" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that identifies the origin of uncertainty or skepticism. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's applicable across diverse contexts, although most prevalent in news, scientific, and academic writing. To maintain writing quality, avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "a reason for skepticism" or "a cause for concern". While doubt often carries a negative nuance, recognizing "a source of doubt" can prompt critical assessment and deeper exploration. Remember to clearly define the cause of doubt to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reason for skepticism

Focuses on the justification behind the doubt.

a cause for uncertainty

Highlights the origin of the uncertainty.

an element of skepticism

Emphasizes that doubt is just one component of the situation.

a seed of suspicion

Suggests a subtle or initial stage of doubt.

a ground for questioning

Indicates a basis for inquiry and potential doubt.

a basis for disbelief

Emphasizes a lack of faith or acceptance.

a point of contention

Highlights that the issue is disputed.

a matter of speculation

Suggests the topic is open to conjecture.

a nagging uncertainty

Highlights the persistence and troubling nature of the uncertainty.

an area of ambiguity

Focuses on the lack of clarity or precision.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of doubt" in a sentence?

Use "a source of doubt" to indicate something that causes uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "The conflicting testimonies were "a source of doubt" for the jury".

What can I say instead of "a source of doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "a cause for concern", "a reason for skepticism", or "a point of uncertainty" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a source of doubt" and "a cause for concern"?

"A source of doubt" implies uncertainty or disbelief, while "a cause for concern" indicates something that raises worry or anxiety. The former relates to belief, and the latter to potential negative outcomes.

Is it always negative to have "a source of doubt"?

Not necessarily. While doubt often carries a negative connotation, having ""a source of doubt"" can also lead to critical thinking and thorough investigation, which can ultimately be beneficial.